Louis van Gaal is already impressed by his squad’s adaptability to his training methods as he prepares to take charge of his first match as Manchester United boss.
The Dutchman will oversee his side’s first pre-season friendly when they take on LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl in the USA.
And Van Gaal has admitted that his new charges have been at ‘top-level’ as they begin their USA tour.
Van Gaal said: “I have to say that it has been fantastic.
“Maybe you think every coach who is new should say that but I mean it. They are anxious to follow the instructions of my assistants.
“The focus I have seen in the training sessions is top-level, but we have to see if the performance is top-level.
“But I am very happy with the labour of my players in the days I have been with them.”
United trained at Pasadena stadium yesterday, putting on a full session for US fans to scrutinise how they are shaping up under the new boss.
The Red Devils will face a tough task to impress against the Major League Soccer side, who have just returned to action themselves after the league, which runs from March to November, was put on hiatus while the World Cup took centre stage.
And the Galaxy, who boast USA star Landon Donovan and former Leeds and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane among their ranks, should have the fitness edge.
“We have analysed Galaxy and I expect a very organised and tactical team that are aggressive in attack and want to press,” he said.
“They are already in the rhythm of the season and we started three days ago. We are not well prepared or fit yet, but I hope we can give a good performance.”
With the Galaxy, who sit fourth in MLS’ Western Conference, traditionally sporting white, it is unlikely United will get a chance to show off their all-new Chevrolet-liveried away kit.
Here at #mufc we like to travel in style. The 2014/15 away kit continues that tradition. #MUFCkit pic.twitter.com/lQUVzw4eA1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 22, 2014
The kit was revealed last night and is available to buy online and in stores today.
After the Galaxy, United will take on Roma, face a meeting with former skipper Nemanja Vidic’s Inter Milan before rounding out the tour against old boy Cristiano Ronaldo’s big-spending Real Madrid, who signed World Cup surprise star James Rodriguez yesterday.
Van Gaal’s first taste competitive action will be on August 16 against Swansea City as he looks to banish the memories of last year’s disastrous Premier League campaign.
Image courtesy of FifaTV via YouTube, with thanks.
